Image Rights: Rhaetische Bahn. swiss-image.ch/Christoph Benz
When we talk about Switzerland, some of the things that come to mind are its glamor and extravagance. Switzerland has mastered the art of luxury travel because of its wide variety of accommodation options, dining, and natural sights.
If you want to experience the mild summer season in the mountains, there is no better place than the Swiss Alps which constitute the Alpine region of Switzerland and represent a major natural feature of the country.
The Swiss Alps is particularly famous for its several ski resorts that are also some of the best in the world. These resorts offer their guests impeccable service that will not leave you disappointed. From staying at a luxurious spa resort to renting a deluxe chalet in Switzerland, you will find all sorts of options in this region. Here are some of the top places we would recommend if you are traveling to the Swiss Alps.
Matterhorn Zermatt
Image Rights: Valais/Wallis Promotion. Valais/Wallis Promotion – Christian Perret
Matterhorn Zermatt is considered the jewel of the Swiss Alps and is one of the most iconic mountains because of its unique shape which resembles a pyramid. Located at the border between Italy and Switzerland, the rocky peak is more than 4,000 meters tall and looks surreal in the middle of a breathtaking alpine panorama. The Matterhorn is also famous for its appearance on the Toblerone packaging which was first made public in 1960.
The name of the mountain derives from two words, Matte and Horn, that translate into meadow and peak respectively. Around the Matterhorn, you will find several excursions and attractions including the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Matterhorn Museum. If you are not much of a hiker, you can always view this gorgeous peak from Gornergrat, which offers a breathtaking view from its viewing platform.
Lugano
Image Rights: Rhaetische Bahn By-line: swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger
Lugano is a lakeside city in Switzerland that is famous for its lifestyle, architecture, and cuisine which is very much related to the Lombardy region in Italy. Located at Lake Lugano’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountains and attracts many tourists because of its peculiar location.
Some of the places you can visit in Lugano include Lake Lugano, Monte San Salvatore, Church of S. Maria degli Angioli, and Piazza Della Riforma. You can also go boating or take part in other water activities in the glacial Lugano lake. However, If you are not a big fan of water, you can walk in the lovely park of Civico-Ciani, which offers pathways and play areas for children. If you are interested in history and architecture, you can relish the beauty of the cathedral of San Lorenzo which was rebuilt in the 15th century and preserves a lot of ancient history inside its old-fashioned interior.
The Swiss National Park
The Swiss National park was founded in the early 20th century on the national holiday of Switzerland. Not only is it the only natural park in Switzerland, but it is also one of the earliest parks in Europe. Being the largest protected area in the country, the park is part of the worldwide UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
In this wilderness, you will find different sorts of animals such as foxes, red deer, ibex, and golden eagles. Other than its wildlife and scenic views, the park is also known for its unique flora that brings the park to life during the spring season.
Lucerne
Image Rights: Pilatus-Bahnen AG. swiss-image.ch/Rainer Eder
Known for being home to the stunning Lake Lucerne and preserved medieval architecture, the city is located in the middle of snow-capped mountains and offers its visitors a wide range of activities and adventures. For many tourists, spending at least a few days in Lucerne is a must.
The streets of Lucerne are perfect for a cycling holiday as you can explore the city and its peaceful lakes on your bike. A popular spot in the city is the Chapel Bridge which is a wooden bridge built in the 1330s. A fire incident almost destroyed the footbridge in 1993 and the damages are still visible on its panels. If you want to experience more of the city’s medieval architecture, you can always stroll through the alleyways of the Old Town and breathe in the fresh crisp air while immersing in some of the richest and most underrated cultures in the world.
Interlaken
Image Rights: Interlaken Tourismus. swiss-image.ch/Christoph Frutiger
Interlaken is a resort town located between two alpine lakes and is especially famous among people who are interested in outdoor sports. It is also known as the adventure capital of the country as you will find all sorts of activities here including canyoning, rafting, bungee jumping, and skydiving.
The best time to visit Interlaken is between June and September as the temperature is quite pleasant in summer and tourists can go mountaineering, trekking, and enjoy other activities.
Jungfrau Region
Image Rights: Jungfrau Region. swiss-image.ch/ Jost von Allmen
Jungfrau is called ‘Top of Europe’ because it is home to the highest train station on the continent. Situated at the foot of the Bernese Alps, Jungfrau consists of two valleys and is a glacial pass between the Mönch Mountain and the Jungfrau Mountain.
For more than a century, Aletsch in the Jungfrau Region has been an iconic destination for many. Aletsch is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and contains the largest glacier in Europe. You can see the most stunning views from the Sphinx Observation Deck, which is located at the top of Jungfraujoch. Perhaps the most impressive place in Jungfraujoch is its Ice Palace where the temperature is -3 ͦ C. The place is open during summer and you can marvel at the ice sculptures and enjoy the Snow Fun Park.
Visit The Swiss Alps
Apart from being one of the best spots in the world for skiing, the Swiss Alps is also one of the most popular destinations among tourists. People who visit the Swiss Alps are mesmerized by its expansive valleys, Alpine pastures, and snowy peaks that blend seamlessly into the sky. Other than its natural landscapes, the Swiss Alps is a great place to experience different cultures and cuisines, which is why it is a must-visit region if you are traveling to Europe.
If you are torn between choosing which alps to visit, we can share our advice based on your travel preferences. We will pick out places based on what you like to see, do, experience and make an itinerary just for you. Drop us a message and let’s start chatting!
